0945 Divisional Commander ordered 38 Brigade to patrol forward from left flank to areas 5781, 5879. 1 East Surreys occupied station of San Salvo and ridge to west. Station reported heavily booby trapped. 2 LF and 5 Northamptons concentrating north of River Trigno. 25 Shermans reported moving north west to Vasto.

1030 1 RIrF reported bridge 665783 collapsing. 6 Innisks reported at 607825 and holding San Salvo with 5 Buffs. Casualties estimated at 100. Enemy counter attack from north of San Salvo shelled effectively by own artillery. Enemy fire continued until 2320hrs 3 November. 1 RIrF reported crater in town at 627824 but not impeding traffic.6 Innisks to remain under command 36 Brigade until further notice.

0845 Division reported 36 Brigade on outskirts of Vasto and not in contact. 11 Brigade reported on ridge north east of Cupello without opposition and tanks moving to Montedorisio.

1130 1 RIrF location Farm 607822.

1410 Civilians reported 20 enemy and MGs dug in 576809. Main Brigade HQ closed Convent, Petacciato (712793) and reopened same time San Salvo (607827). Tac HQ remained open at same location.

1600 Patrol 6 Innisks to 583797 searching farms. No enemy seen. Patrol moved south west to ridge but own artillery stopped further progress. Civilians reported enemy on ridge 5779 – 5879 (? OP). Further point reached by patrol pt210 (5782). Road clear to San Salvo. Bridge 578819 mines in neighbourhood.

2000 Tac HQ closed at present location and joined main HQ in San Salvo.

2100 Situation at first light see Sitrep.

6th November – SAN SALVO.

0530 Bttns reported quiet night.

1500 6 Innisks and 1 RIrF ordered to move to concentration area 5888. 2 LIR remaining in present location at bridgehead over Trigno.

1818 6 Innisks reported HQ at 580888.

2000 1 RIrF reported HQ at 583863.

7th November – SAN SALVO.

0500 Bttns nothing to report over night.

0800 Brigade HQ closed San Salvo 607827 and reopened same time at station of Istonio 591897.

1755 Brigade informed by Division that two Italian monks dressed in brown expected to pass through our lines from north 15 – 17 November. Bttns ordered to pass any such persons answering this description immediately to this HQ.

2300 Division informed brigade that road Casalbordino – River Sangro under control 5 Corps wef 17 November and authority to use must be applied for from Division by 0700hrs previous day.

15th November – 588913.

0500 Bttns nothing to report.

1415 78 Division movement table night 16/17 received.

Brigade Intelligence Summary issued.

1532 Brigade movement order O.560 issued.

16th November – 558913.

1900 Brigade sitrep nothing to report.

17th November – 588913.

0500 Bttns nothing to report.

0730 2 LIR reported new location HQ 452938.

1300 Representative of J Service visited HQ and requested all information.

Put on Brigade distribution list.

Brigade Intelligence Summary issued, with an appreciation of possibilities of enemy counter attack in Fossacesia area.

Army Commander’s conference at Vasto attended by Brigade Commander.

Conference at Divisional HQ attended by Brigade Commander, followed by Army Commander’s conference.

1015 Division informed Brigade of bomb line from first light D – 1: 420053 – 370000, first light D Day not south of 07 northing and not west of 36 Easting. After capture of Fossacesia not south of 10 Northing.

1020 Division informed that ASC tentacle coming to Brigade area 4599 on D-1.

1200 Brigade Intelligence summary issued.

1315 6 Innisks and 1 RIrF informed by Brigade that no marching troops will proceed forward of debussing areas before 1700hrs. Order of march as for TCVs. 36 Brigade informed 38 Brigade that R. Sangro crossing on night 18/19 Nov as follows: 396979 two feet deep, current fast; 399981 two feet deep current fast;416992 three feet deep current fast; 419999 three feet deep; 430020 three feet six inches deep and difficult.

1500 Brigade order for move issued.

Amendment No 1 to 38 (Irish) Brigade Operation Order No 30 dated 18 November issued.

0900 Brigade informed by Division that Indian Division troops counter attacked in Mozzagroga and forced off objective. Own tanks were unable to advance on San Maria road due to large crater. Locations: 6 Innisks 403003, 2 LIR 401007, 1 RIrF 405016.

Brigade Intelligence Summary issued.

1730 Situation on Brigade front at last light see Sitrep.

1800 Gully 402012 reported mined and some S mines at foot of escarpment.

2105 Intention night 28/29 November. 4 Armoured Brigade with in support 38 (Irish) Brigade and 8 A & SH advance at first light to seize and hold San Maria thence advancing astride road San Maria – Fossacesia destroying all enemy up to the sea.

29th November – TORINO.

0515 1 RIrF report in outskirts of Mozzagrogna covering RE work in road San Maria.

Brigade plan; 6 Innisks to take Ridge Li Colli (3702) then San Maria with tanks to be relieved by 8 A & SH when San Maria secure. After relief, Plan Charlie.

0935 50 Royal Tanks reported on Ridge Li Colli and 6 Innisks taking over and consolidating. Enemy shelling and mortaring from Fossacesia area.

1035 Enemy DF on San Maria. 6 Innisks having some trouble on left flank and asked for support. Tanks have encountered many mines but will go to 6 Innisks assistance when cleared.

1045 Tanks reported at 385035 and to have taken PoWs. Enemy shelling forward slopes San Maria.